Xerostomia: an update for clinicians

Abstract

Saliva plays an important protective role in the oral environment, and reductions in saliva quantity are known to increase the risk of oral diseases. Importantly, xerostomia or the perception of a dry mouth is now being recognized as an important risk factor for dental diseases. Furthermore, the subjective sensation of a dry mouth is a debilitating condition in itself that impacts on the quality of life of sufferers. With approximately 1 in 5 people reporting some form of dry mouth, and an increasing prevalence in the elderly, it is important for clinicians to have a thorough understanding of this problem. The aim of this paper is to review some of the literature relating to xerostomia in order to provide an evidence based update for clinicians.Keywords: Xerostomia, salivary gland hypofunction, dry mouth.Abbreviations and acronyms: OHRQoL = oral health-related quality of life; SGH = salivary gland hypofunction; XI = Xerostomia Inventory.

Association of Xerostomia and Assessment of Salivary Flow Using Modified Schirmer’s Test Among Tobacco Chewers, Smokers and Healthy Individuals.

“…It functions in protection against bacteria and fungi, transportation of nutrients and digestive enzymes, lubrication of the oral cavity, remineralization of teeth, as well as aiding in chewing, swallowing and speech. 6 Secretion of saliva is a reflex function emanating from salivary centers that is dependent on afferent stimulation and involves complex integration from higher centers. 5 Resting whole saliva is the mixture of secretions, which enter the mouth in the absence of exogenous stimuli.…”

“…5 Xerostomia is defined as the subjective perception of dry mouth. 6 The perception of dry mouth is sometimes, but not necessarily accompanied by a reduction in salivary flow. 6 Symptoms of xerostomia include halitosis, oral soreness and burning, difficulty swallowing and talking, and altered taste.…”

“…6 The perception of dry mouth is sometimes, but not necessarily accompanied by a reduction in salivary flow. 6 Symptoms of xerostomia include halitosis, oral soreness and burning, difficulty swallowing and talking, and altered taste. Xerostomia can also increase the risk of dental caries, and can contribute to periodontal diseases and oral infections such as candidiasis.…”

“…Xerostomia can also increase the risk of dental caries, and can contribute to periodontal diseases and oral infections such as candidiasis. 6 Nowadays, one-third of adults (1.3 billion people) are known to be smokers. Over 4000 bioactive chemical compounds have been isolated from cigarette smoke, of which more than 300 carcinogens have been identified in smoke or in its water-soluble components that will leach into saliva.…”

Identification of Candidal Species from the Oral Cavity of Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Groups

“…Oral candidiasis is a common opportunistic infection of the oral cavity caused by an overgrowth of candida species particularly Candida albicans [3] . Numerous risk factors such as age, gender, nutrition, oral hygiene, smoking, dentures, salivary pH disorder, and xerostomia (dry mouth) make diabetic patients more susceptible to oral candidiasis [4,5] . Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common endocrine metabolic disorder.…”